Iceland Trip A Cool Way To Beat Summer's Heat

When planning an escape from South Florida's summer heat, look for cool destinations such as mountains or breezy shores.

For starters, how about Iceland?

This island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean has a cool name, frosty glaciers, snowy peaks and wild seascapes. A geological wonderland chock full of volcanoes, bubbling hot springs and fjords, Iceland also boasts a rich Norse history, a lively culture and the world's most literate natives.

ElderTreks, which specializes in active adventure trips for mature travelers, offers four 12-day Iceland trips from June through August. Experienced guides lead groups of 16 participants into remote areas of the countryside inhabited by puffins and other rare birds. Travel is done by minibus.

The trip includes visits to remote bird colonies perched on cliffs 1,000 feet above the ocean; snow-capped Snaefellsness and Mount Hekla volcanoes; the world's oldest parliament in Thingveller; Geysir, the famous geyser that gave its name to all geysers; Iceland's bustling capital, Reykjavik, and a dip in the Blue Lagoon's thermal springs. During the Icelandic summer, the daylight hours stretch toward midnight.

Some walking is involved, but tour company founder Gary Murtagh rates the trip as moderately easy or a No. 2 on the company's 1-5 scale of difficulty, with 5 the most arduous.

"The hikes may be two hours at the most," Murtagh said. "We also allow for lots of free time."

In case you're wondering, the food is basically Scandinavian, good and wholesome.

The Iceland tours, departing from Reykjavik, are from June 10-21; June 24-July 5; July 23-Aug. 3 and Aug. 6-16. The price of $2,990 covers the land tour only. But ElderTreks will help travelers book air travel based on competitive prices. ElderTreks also offers a 12-day tour of Lapland that travels as far as the Arctic Circle.

Interhostel, the University of New Hampshire's educational travel program for adults over 50, makes traveling in the alpine land of Heidi a peak experience. With the lovely city of Bern as a focal point, Interhostel plans a two-week stay from Aug. 9-23 amid Switzerland's towering Alps.

Designated by UNESCO as a World Cultural Landmark, the city of Bern features a medieval clock tower, an ancient cathedral and a well-preserved old city.

Excursions outside Bern will visit northern Switzerland's lakes and rivers and the Rhine Falls, and will include a ferry ride from Constance to the charming German town of Meersburg. Travelers will visit Lucerne; Gruyere, famed for its cheeses; and Zermatt for a view of the Matterhorn.

From Grindewald, a small railroad carries visitors up through secluded valleys ringed by famous peaks such as the Eiger, Munch and Jungfrau.

With its emphasis on educational travel, Interhostel works with local centers of learning to present programs on Switzerland's history, languages, folkways and military history.

The trip includes sightseeing at elevations of 10,000 feet and some walking on cobblestone streets, stairs and short distances on mountain paths.

The Swiss trip can accommodate 40 travelers and space is available. The trip's cost of $3,295 includes meals, accommodations and airfare from Boston. Interhostel will help travelers make arrangements from other cities.

For information or reservations, call Interhostel at 800-733-9753; email: learn.dce@unh.edu or visit www.learn.unh.edu.

Rocky Mountains

Once a rich and raunchy mining town deep in Colorado's Rocky Mountains, Central City sets a dramatic backdrop for a new Elderhostel program that pairs grand opera with the colorful history of this Victorian city.

In conjunction with Colorado State University, Elderhostel presents Inside the Central City Opera from July 23-28 and from July 30-Aug. 4. Program highlights will include three grand operas sung in English by a professional company and backstage tours of the lovingly restored 1878 opera house conducted by the stage crew, performers and musicians. Participants will learn about Central City's rowdy past, its characters and the story of Baby Doe, the woman who introduced culture to the rough mining town.

The price for Elderhostel's Inside Central City Opera program is $638 for double occupancy and includes lodging, all meals and transportation to and from the Denver International Airport.

For information and registration, phone 877-426-8056; fax 617-426-0701 or visit www.elderhostel. For the hearing-impaired with TTY equipment, call 877-426-2167.

Short break

While summer brings steamy days, it also restores bargain prices at some of Florida's most luxurious resorts.

Palm Beach's elegant Breakers Hotel is offering one- to four-night package stays at offseason prices. For example, the Best of Both Worlds includes one night in luxurious accommodations, a round of golf, a 50-minute spa treatment and unlimited use of spa facilities for $378 per room per night; the Indulgence by the Sea, a three-night package, includes breakfast daily, a series of spa treatments and unlimited use of the spa for $1,380 single or $1,950 double.

To check on these and other 2000 "Breakaway Vacation Packages" offered by the Breakers, call 888-273-2537 or visit www.the breakers.com.